| The Importance of Sun Exposure, but How Much?
Without sunlight, life of on earth would not exist. The light energy from the sun is needed for the process of photosynthesis of chlorophyll in plants to produce oxygen. It is also needed by the human body to produce the fat-soluble Vitamin D, “the sunshine vitamin” which is necessary for the absorption of calcium. Although, over exposure, in excess of one hour, can contribute to burns, cataracts, pigment changes and skin cancer.
A natural cholesterol-like derivative in the skin exposed to the sun for more than fifteen minutes begins the manufacturing of Vitamin D which is absorbed through the skin and converted in the liver or kidneys. Vitamin D is stored in the liver, brain, skin, spleen and bones. More than one hour spent in the sun may require natural sunscreen, with PABA (a B Vitamin), available at health food stores.
Lack of sunlight in the winter, during cloudy or smoggy days and using sunscreen does not allow for proper UVB penetration to take place, so in this case, supplemental Vitamin D may be necessary. Individuals with darker skin or poor fat digestion may also have more difficulty absorbing Vitamin D from the sun.
Vitamin D deficiencies can contribute to rickets in children, osteoporosis in adults and hearing loss due to loss of calcium in the ear bone. Deficiencies have also been linked to fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, colitis, colon cancer and other types of cancers.
Besides manufacturing Vitamin D, average dose of 400IU, but can go much higher depending on the condition, the many benefits of sunlight exposure include:
- Healing of skin disorders
- Destruction of bacteria
- Alleviating depression, uplifts emotions (esp. seasonal depression)
- Improving the entire organism’s constitution
- Promote sweating for detoxification through skin
- Improve nearsightedness through influence on eye muscles
- Prevent tooth decay and gum problems
- Aids in utilization of phosphorus
- Increases absorption of calcium from the intestines/ regulate calcium metabolism
- Regulate normal calcification of bones
- Improves the Central Nervous System response
Ask Dr. Maria Papasodaro, your Naturopathic Doctor how much vitamin D is right for you and how to begin your journey to wellness!
Dr. Maria Papasodaro, ND
A Healing Place: 247 Main St. North, Brampton (905) 459-4385
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